Difference between revisions of "Leclerc SXXI"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]].
+
The '''Leclerc Séries XXI''' is the third variant of the [[Leclerc (Family)|Leclerc main battle tank family]]. It has significant enhancements and improvements over its predecessor, the [[Leclerc S2|Leclerc Séries 2]]. The turret now has a new composite front armour package that includes titanium. Turret bustle composite armour has been replaced with lighter explosive reactive armour. Turret storage bins are also being redesigned to allow for potentially larger add-on armour packages, increasing versatility and adaptability. The Leclerc Séries XXI also has a hunter-killer capability thanks to the HL 120 panoramic sight, which contains a laser rangefinder and Iris thermal imaging equipment. Finally, the tank is now equipped with a friend or foe identification indicator.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]], the Leclerc Séries XXI is well-protected overall, with an effective configuration that results in good survivability. The frontal turret of the Leclerc Séries XXI is particularly well protected by modular composite armour, which combines strong metals, semi-reactive, and ceramic layers to protect against even the most powerful tank ammunition. The modification also involves the inclusion of extra armour beneath the gunner's sight, lowering the likelihood of the gunner being knocked out during conflicts. The Leclerc Séries XXI also has a new HL 120 panoramic sight for the commander, as well as thermal imaging equipment and a laser rangefinder, bringing hunter-killer capability to the Leclerc Séries XXI.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
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The Leclerc SXXI is generally well protected with a well-designed layout resulting in good survivability. It does, however, have a number of prominent weak spots which are not easily hidden - most notable of which is the gun mantlet, which is mostly unprotected and can easily be penetrated to disable the cannon breech and often the tank commander, who sits on the exposed side of the mantlet (right side, looking from the front of the vehicle). The LFP (lower front plate) and UFP (upper front plate) are both weakly protected, with only the central front plate providing sufficient protection against incoming rounds. The Leclerc's turret cheeks are extremely well protected by modular composite armour, combining hard metals, semi-reactive and ceramic layers, protecting against even the most powerful kinetic rounds and most chemical rounds. The SXXI includes the addition of extra armor underneath the gunners sight as well.
+
The Leclerc SXXI is generally well protected with a well-designed layout resulting in good survivability. It does, however, have a number of prominent weak spots which are not easily hidden - most notable of which is the gun mantlet, which is mostly unprotected and can easily be penetrated to disable the cannon breech and often the tank commander, who sits on the exposed side of the mantlet (right side, looking from the front of the vehicle). The LFP (lower front plate) and UFP (upper front plate) are both weakly protected, with only the central front plate providing sufficient protection against incoming rounds. The Leclerc's turret cheeks are extremely well protected by modular composite armour, combining hard metals, semi-reactive and ceramic layers, protecting against even the most powerful kinetic rounds and most chemical rounds. The SXXI includes the addition of extra armour underneath the gunner's sight as well.
 +
 
 +
Despite only seating three crew members, the Leclerc's survivability proves to be reasonable, with spaced out crew members, a blow-out compartment for the primary ammunition storage and the turret crew placed as low as feasible. As such, even successful penetration of the Leclerc is unlikely to disable the vehicle immediately - and even a vehicle fire or crew knockout will not stop the vehicle from reloading, ready to fire back. It is possible to destroy the Leclerc with one round by hitting the two crew on the right (viewed from the front).
  
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Despite only seating three crew members, the Leclerc's survivability proves to be reasonable, with spaced out crew members, a blow-out compartment for the primary ammunition storage and the turret crew placed as low as feasible. As such, even successful penetration of the Leclerc is unlikely to disable the vehicle immediately - and even a vehicle fire or crew knockout will not stop the vehicle from reloading, ready to fire back. It is possible to destroy the Leclerc with one round by hitting the two crew on the right (viewed from the front).<!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
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'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
 
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,285|rbMinHp=1,304}}
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,325|rbMinHp=1,327}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
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=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
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{{main|GIAT CN120-26 F1 (120 mm)}}The Leclerc SXXIa mounts a 120 mm GIAT CN120-26/52 smoothbore cannon, fitted with a two-plane stabiliser and an autoloading system. The CN120 is a competitive cannon, displaying excellent performance with the OFL 120 F1 APFSDS round, up to a maximum of 575 mm of penetration at 0°. Combined with the consistent 6 second reload (independent of crew), this 120 mm cannon is more than competitive when compared to the offerings on its contemporaries. However, it's important to note that the OFL 120 F1 round is a tier 4 modification, and as such a stock Leclerc will be required to use the OCC 120 G1 HEAT-FS round - which, while capable, can prove somewhat unreliable when used against late vehicles with ERA and composite armour.
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{{main|GIAT CN120-26 F1 (120 mm)}}
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The Leclerc SXXIa mounts a 120 mm GIAT CN120-26/52 smoothbore cannon, fitted with a two-plane stabilizer and an autoloading system. The CN120 is a competitive cannon, displaying excellent performance with the OFL 120 F1 APFSDS round, up to a maximum of 575 mm of penetration at 0°. Combined with the consistent 5-second reload (independent of crew), this 120 mm cannon is more than competitive when compared to the offerings on its contemporaries. However, it's important to note that the OFL 120 F1 round is a tier 4 modification, and as such a stock Leclerc will be required to use the OFL 120 G1 - which, while capable, is sometimes not sufficient enough to take out tanks with one shot in certain scenarios.  
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[GIAT CN120-26 F1 (120 mm)|120 mm GIAT CN120-26 F1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
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! colspan="5" | [[GIAT CN120-26 F1 (120 mm)|120 mm GIAT CN120-26 F1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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! Autoloader
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 28.6 || 39.5 || 48.0 || 53.1 || 56.5 || rowspan="2" | 6.00 || rowspan="2" | 6.00 || rowspan="2" | 6.00 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
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| rowspan="2" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 17.9 || 21.0 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
+
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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{{:GIAT CN120-26 F1 (120 mm)/Ammunition|OCC 120 G1, OFL 120 G1, OFL 120 F1}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| OCC 120 G1 || HEATFS || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480
 
−
|-
 
−
| OFL 120 G1 || APFSDS || 425 || 423 || 417 || 410 || 404 || 396
 
−
|-
 
−
| OFL 120 F1 || APFSDS || 575 || 573 || 565 || 557 || 547 || 537
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| OCC 120 G1 || HEATFS || 1,100 || 14.4 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 2,150 || 65° || 72° || 77°
 
−
|-
 
−
| OFL 120 G1 || APFSDS || 1,780 || 3.8 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| OFL 120 F1 || APFSDS || 1,790 || 3.8 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
 
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
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<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
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<!-- '''Last updated: 2.13.0.82''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
−
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''40''' || 23&nbsp;''(+17)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+39)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || No
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| '''40''' || 23&nbsp;''(+17)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+39)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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The ready rack of the SXXI is the same as the other Leclerc's, at 23, is quite substantial and does mean that bringing just the ready rack will keep you in the fight for the game. This rack also includes the blow-out panels.
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The ready rack of the SXXI is the same as the other Leclerc, at 22, is quite substantial and does mean that bringing just the ready rack will keep you in the fight for the game.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 800 (200) || 577 || N/A || N/A
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| Coaxial || 800 (200) || 575 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
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''The Leclerc is an extremely capable MBT, and can be deadly in the right hands. It can prove somewhat vulnerable in close-range engagements, where its numerous weak points are easily targeted, and as such it's preferable to make use of its high round velocity to snipe, or its excellent mobility to flank enemies.''
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The Leclerc is an extremely capable MBT. It can prove somewhat vulnerable in close-range engagements, where its numerous weak points are easily targeted, and as such it's preferable to make use of its high round velocity to snipe, or its excellent mobility to flank enemies.
  
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=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Rural Combat'''
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
  
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'''''Rural Combat'''''
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The Leclerc's OFL 120 F1 round, with its 1,790 m/s muzzle velocity and high penetration values, is a potent sniping round. As such, on open maps (such as [[Kursk (Ground Forces)|Kursk]] or [[Maginot Line (Ground Forces)|Maginot Line]]), it's recommended to operate the Leclerc as a sniper - this allows it to both employ these round characteristics optimally and avoid the Leclerc's large weak spots being easy targets. On maps where flanking is viable, the Leclerc's high power-to-weight ratio can be used to access and push through these routes.
  
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''The Leclerc's OFL 120 F1 round, with its 1,790 m/s muzzle velocity and high penetration values is a potent sniping round. As such, on open maps (such as [[Kursk (Ground Forces)|Kursk]] or [[Maginot Line (Ground Forces)|Maginot Line]]), it's recommended to operate the Leclerc as a sniper - this allows it to both employ these round characteristics optimally and avoid the Leclerc's large weak spots being easy targets. On maps where flanking is viable (for example, the eastern hill on Maginot Line), the Leclerc's excellent power to weight ratio can be used to access and push through these routes.''
+
'''Urban Combat'''
  
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'''''Urban Combat'''''
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The Leclerc is less comfortable in urban combat situations, although still more than capable. On maps such as [[Alaska]], it's preferable to take flanking routes around the edges of urban regions where possible or cap points on the outskirts of the map, avoiding close quarters. In situations where avoiding close quarters is mostly impossible, it's best to play conservatively and maintain full awareness of enemy presence (audio is extremely important information, as you can hear most vehicles). Fortunately the Leclerc has a respectable reverse speed of 38 km/h and providing your engine, transmission, and driver remain intact after a penetration it's more than capable of reversing out of trouble.
  
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''The Leclerc is less comfortable in urban combat situations, although still more than capable. On maps such as [[Alaska]], it's preferable to take flanking routes around the edges of urban regions where possible or cap points on the outskirts of the map (such as the A point in Alaska Domination), avoiding close quarters. In situations where avoiding close quarters is mostly impossible, it's best to play conservatively and maintain full awareness of enemy presence (audio is extremely important information in War Thunder - you can hear most vehicles coming!). Fortunately the Leclerc has a respectable reverse speed of 38 km/h and providing your engine, transmission and driver remain intact after a penetration it's more than capable of reversing out of trouble.''
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'''Notable opponents'''
  
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'''''Notable Targets'''''
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* [[Challenger 2]] - The CR2's turret cheeks are essentially immune to even OFL 120 F1 - and the Challenger is deadly accurate at long range. As such, sniping matches with the Challenger 2 should be avoided at all costs, instead attempt to flank it where possible. If there is no opportunity to get closer, move around between shots and try to land a shot on the gun mantlet or the UFP/LFP.
 +
* [[M1A1 Abrams|M1A1]]/[[M1A2 Abrams]] - The Abrams is a deadly opponent, and thanks to the crew and module spacing will often survive multiple shots. In any engagement, first try to disable the cannon breech - this avoids the Abrams firing back and with your quick reload you'll frequently have time to disable its mobility entirely.
 +
* [[Leopard 2A5]]/[[Leopard 2A6|2A6]] - The Leopard 2A5 and 2A6 is a dangerous opponent, with a small gun mantlet weak spot and impenetrable turret cheeks. Fortunately, the OFL 120 F1 round can punch straight through the hull. If the opportunity for a hull shot does not arise, try to shoot through the gun mantlet or turret ring where possible.
 +
* [[Ariete (Family)|Ariete]] -Although its armour protection won't stop your APFSDS, almost all the tank is vulnerable to Ariete's firepower, in fact its rounds can easily penetrate most of the frontal section of the Leclerc even at 2,000 m. It is better to disable its gun before trying to destroy the tank, or just shooting at the left turret cheek, killing the gunner and the commander leaving the target harmless.
 +
* [[Type 10]] / [[Type 90]] - The Type 10 and Type 90 are the only other autoloaded tanks currently in the game that can load faster than you, with reload of 4.0 seconds compared to your 5.0 seconds.  Getting your first shot off and disabling this tank is top priority as they will out load you.
  
−
* '''''[[Challenger 2]]:''' The CR2's turret cheeks are essentially immune to even OFL 120 F1 - and the Challenger is deadly accurate at long range. As such, sniping matches with the Challenger 2 should be avoided at all costs, instead attempt to flank it where possible. If there is no opportunity to get closer, move around between shots and try to land a shot on the gun mantlet or the UFP/LFP.''
+
=== Pros and cons ===
−
 
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
* '''''[[M1A1 Abrams|M1A1]]/[[M1A2 Abrams]]:''' The Abrams is a deadly opponent, and thanks to the crew and module spacing will often survive multiple shots. In any engagement, first try to disable the cannon breech - this avoids the Abrams firing back and with your quick reload you'll often have time to disable its mobility entirely.''
 
−
 
 
−
* '''''[[Leopard 2A5]]/[[Leopard 2A6|2A6]]:''' The Leopard 2A5 and 2A6 is a dangerous opponent, with a small gun mantlet weak spot and impenetrable turret cheeks. Fortunately, the OFL 120 F1 round can punch straight through the hull. If the opportunity for a hull shot does not arise, try to shoot through the gun mantlet or turret ring where possible.''
 
−
 
 
−
* '''''[[Ariete (Family)|Ariete]]:''' although its armour protection won't stop your APFSDS, almost all the tank is vulnerable to Ariete's firepower, in fact its rounds can easily penetrate most of the frontal section of the Leclerc even at 2000 m. It is better to disable its gun before trying to destroy the tank, or just shooting at the left turret cheek, killing the gunner and the commander leaving the target harmless''
 
−
* '''''[[Type 10]]:''''' The Type 10 is the only tank currently in the game that can load faster than you. It also has an autoloader, however, it can fire  a round every 4.0 seconds as compared to your 6.0. Getting your first shot off and disabling this tank is top priority as it will out load you.
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Has access to a CITV with 2nd generation thermals
 
* Has access to a CITV with 2nd generation thermals
−
* Slightly improved armor around the area of the gunner's sight
+
* Slightly improved armour around the area of the gunner's sight
−
* Autoloader allows for consistent reloads, faster than Russian MBTs
+
* Autoloader allows for consistent reloads
−
* Blow-out contained primary ammunition storage
+
* Large first-stage ammo stowage
 +
* Blow-out panel in turret bustle
 +
* The OFL 120 F1 APFSDS round is effective
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Retains the same rounds used by the previous Leclercs
+
* Slower than average turret traverse rate
−
* Slower than average turret traverse rate at 30 degrees/sec aced, on par with the Type 90 and Type 10
 
 
* Only three crew members
 
* Only three crew members
 
* Numerous large vulnerabilities
 
* Numerous large vulnerabilities
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== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
''The Leclerc S2 tanks, that appeared in one of the recent updates to War Thunder, are known for the decent defense in the turret, the automatic loader, which is rare for western tank designs, a large capacity of the first-order ammo rack, as well as the devastating OFL 120 F1 APFSDS round that, even at distances of more than 1,000 meters is able to slice through the protection of most enemy tanks. Yes, the tank has the traditional weak spots of tanks in the western block with her weak hull armor, but in general the Leclerc S2 is definitely worth researching.The new version of the tank, the Leclerc SXXI, that will appear in the next major update of War Thunder, will become the third modern MBT for high rank battles. It differs from the S2 version by the new combined panoramic sight of the commander, with a thermal imager in addition to the nimble laser rangefinder. The geometry of the turret of the SXXI was redesigned, resulting in slightly increased overall protection of the turret against hits at the frontal angles.''
+
Leclerc S2 main battle tanks were produced in France from 1997 to 2003. The vehicles in the second series were distinguished by improved armour in the hull and turret, new air conditioning and anti-nuclear protection systems, a modified transmission, and updated electronic and optical systems. The Leclerc SXXI is the third production series of the modern main battle tank that was produced from 2003 to 2006. The main features of the series were improved turret protection at frontal angles, as well as a new panoramic HL 120 sight for the commander with a thermal imaging channel and a laser rangefinder. All tanks in the SXXI series were later upgraded by the ICONE tactical control system under the 2007 program.
  
−
-From [[wt:en/news/7440-development-leclerc-sxxi-knight-s-helm-en|''Devblog'']]
+
''-From [[wt:en/news/7440-development-leclerc-sxxi-knight-s-helm-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[Leclerc (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* [[wt:en/news/7440-development-leclerc-sxxi-knight-s-helm-en|[Devblog] Leclerc SXXI: Knight's Helm]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/7440-development-leclerc-sxxi-knight-s-helm-en|[Devblog] Leclerc SXXI: Knight's Helm]]
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/1019623/en/ Custom Sight for the Leclerc SXXI]
 
  
 
{{TankManufacturer Nexter}}
 
{{TankManufacturer Nexter}}
 
{{France medium tanks}}
 
{{France medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 09:24, 13 July 2024

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This page is about the French medium tank Leclerc SXXI. For other versions, see Leclerc (Family).
Leclerc SXXI
fr_leclerc_sxxi.png
GarageImage Leclerc SXXI.jpg
ArtImage Leclerc SXXI.png
Leclerc SXXI
France flag.png France
VIII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
12.0 12.0 12.0
Class:
Research:410 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 100 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Leclerc Séries XXI is the third variant of the Leclerc main battle tank family. It has significant enhancements and improvements over its predecessor, the Leclerc Séries 2. The turret now has a new composite front armour package that includes titanium. Turret bustle composite armour has been replaced with lighter explosive reactive armour. Turret storage bins are also being redesigned to allow for potentially larger add-on armour packages, increasing versatility and adaptability. The Leclerc Séries XXI also has a hunter-killer capability thanks to the HL 120 panoramic sight, which contains a laser rangefinder and Iris thermal imaging equipment. Finally, the tank is now equipped with a friend or foe identification indicator.

Introduced in Update "Winged Lions", the Leclerc Séries XXI is well-protected overall, with an effective configuration that results in good survivability. The frontal turret of the Leclerc Séries XXI is particularly well protected by modular composite armour, which combines strong metals, semi-reactive, and ceramic layers to protect against even the most powerful tank ammunition. The modification also involves the inclusion of extra armour beneath the gunner's sight, lowering the likelihood of the gunner being knocked out during conflicts. The Leclerc Séries XXI also has a new HL 120 panoramic sight for the commander, as well as thermal imaging equipment and a laser rangefinder, bringing hunter-killer capability to the Leclerc Séries XXI.

General info

Survivability and armour

ERA
Effective action against the cumulative ammunition
Composite armour
Balanced protection against all types of ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull80 / 35 / 20
Turret90 / 90 / 20
Crew3 people
Visibility90 %

The Leclerc SXXI is generally well protected with a well-designed layout resulting in good survivability. It does, however, have a number of prominent weak spots which are not easily hidden - most notable of which is the gun mantlet, which is mostly unprotected and can easily be penetrated to disable the cannon breech and often the tank commander, who sits on the exposed side of the mantlet (right side, looking from the front of the vehicle). The LFP (lower front plate) and UFP (upper front plate) are both weakly protected, with only the central front plate providing sufficient protection against incoming rounds. The Leclerc's turret cheeks are extremely well protected by modular composite armour, combining hard metals, semi-reactive and ceramic layers, protecting against even the most powerful kinetic rounds and most chemical rounds. The SXXI includes the addition of extra armour underneath the gunner's sight as well.

Despite only seating three crew members, the Leclerc's survivability proves to be reasonable, with spaced out crew members, a blow-out compartment for the primary ammunition storage and the turret crew placed as low as feasible. As such, even successful penetration of the Leclerc is unlikely to disable the vehicle immediately - and even a vehicle fire or crew knockout will not stop the vehicle from reloading, ready to fire back. It is possible to destroy the Leclerc with one round by hitting the two crew on the right (viewed from the front).

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull ___ mm ___ mm Top
___ mm Bottom 		___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Turret ___ - ___ mm Turret front
___ mm Gun mantlet 		___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Cupola ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB80 / 42 km/h
RB and SB72 / 38 km/h
Number of gears10 forward
4 back
Weight56.2 t
Engine power
AB2 862 hp
RB and SB1 500 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB50.9 hp/t
RB and SB26.7 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 80 42 56.2 2,325 2,862 41.37 50.93
Realistic 72 38 1,327 1,500 23.61 26.69

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 712 → 7 011 Sl icon.png
RB4 567 → 6 795 Sl icon.png
SB5 780 → 8 600 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications287 700 Rp icon.png
483 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 200 Ge icon.png
Crew training310 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 100 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 300 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 350 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
160 / 200 / 210 % Sl icon.png
256 / 256 / 256 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
32 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
32 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
5 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
32 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

120 mm GIAT CN120-26 F1 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Autoloader
Automatically feeds projectiles into the breech. The speed does not depend on the skills of the loader
Ammunition40 rounds
First-order22 rounds
Reload5.0 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 20°
Main article: GIAT CN120-26 F1 (120 mm)

The Leclerc SXXIa mounts a 120 mm GIAT CN120-26/52 smoothbore cannon, fitted with a two-plane stabilizer and an autoloading system. The CN120 is a competitive cannon, displaying excellent performance with the OFL 120 F1 APFSDS round, up to a maximum of 575 mm of penetration at 0°. Combined with the consistent 5-second reload (independent of crew), this 120 mm cannon is more than competitive when compared to the offerings on its contemporaries. However, it's important to note that the OFL 120 F1 round is a tier 4 modification, and as such a stock Leclerc will be required to use the OFL 120 G1 - which, while capable, is sometimes not sufficient enough to take out tanks with one shot in certain scenarios.

120 mm GIAT CN120-26 F1 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Autoloader
Arcade 40 -8°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 38.1 52.7 64.0 70.8 75.3 5.00
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
OCC 120 G1 HEATFS 480 480 480 480 480 480
OFL 120 G1 APFSDS 425 423 417 410 404 396
OFL 120 F1 APFSDS 575 573 565 557 547 537
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
OCC 120 G1 HEATFS 1,100 14.4 0.05 0.1 2.15 65° 72° 77°
OFL 120 G1 APFSDS 1,780 3.8 - - - 78° 80° 81°
OFL 120 F1 APFSDS 1,790 3.8 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
40 23 (+17) 1 (+39) No

The ready rack of the SXXI is the same as the other Leclerc, at 22, is quite substantial and does mean that bringing just the ready rack will keep you in the fight for the game.

Machine guns

12.7 mm CRC F1 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition800 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Main article: M2HB (12.7 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 800 (200) 575 - -

The Leclerc mounts a single coaxial 12.7 mm machine gun. While this coaxial mount limits it to +20° of elevation, if it can be placed on target it can prove effective against low-flying aircraft. Besides this, it can be useful for clearing out light obstacles, knocking out crew on open-top vehicles, and marking targets.

Usage in battles

The Leclerc is an extremely capable MBT. It can prove somewhat vulnerable in close-range engagements, where its numerous weak points are easily targeted, and as such it's preferable to make use of its high round velocity to snipe, or its excellent mobility to flank enemies.

Rural Combat

The Leclerc's OFL 120 F1 round, with its 1,790 m/s muzzle velocity and high penetration values, is a potent sniping round. As such, on open maps (such as Kursk or Maginot Line), it's recommended to operate the Leclerc as a sniper - this allows it to both employ these round characteristics optimally and avoid the Leclerc's large weak spots being easy targets. On maps where flanking is viable, the Leclerc's high power-to-weight ratio can be used to access and push through these routes.

Urban Combat

The Leclerc is less comfortable in urban combat situations, although still more than capable. On maps such as Alaska, it's preferable to take flanking routes around the edges of urban regions where possible or cap points on the outskirts of the map, avoiding close quarters. In situations where avoiding close quarters is mostly impossible, it's best to play conservatively and maintain full awareness of enemy presence (audio is extremely important information, as you can hear most vehicles). Fortunately the Leclerc has a respectable reverse speed of 38 km/h and providing your engine, transmission, and driver remain intact after a penetration it's more than capable of reversing out of trouble.

Notable opponents

  • Challenger 2 - The CR2's turret cheeks are essentially immune to even OFL 120 F1 - and the Challenger is deadly accurate at long range. As such, sniping matches with the Challenger 2 should be avoided at all costs, instead attempt to flank it where possible. If there is no opportunity to get closer, move around between shots and try to land a shot on the gun mantlet or the UFP/LFP.
  • M1A1/M1A2 Abrams - The Abrams is a deadly opponent, and thanks to the crew and module spacing will often survive multiple shots. In any engagement, first try to disable the cannon breech - this avoids the Abrams firing back and with your quick reload you'll frequently have time to disable its mobility entirely.
  • Leopard 2A5/2A6 - The Leopard 2A5 and 2A6 is a dangerous opponent, with a small gun mantlet weak spot and impenetrable turret cheeks. Fortunately, the OFL 120 F1 round can punch straight through the hull. If the opportunity for a hull shot does not arise, try to shoot through the gun mantlet or turret ring where possible.
  • Ariete -Although its armour protection won't stop your APFSDS, almost all the tank is vulnerable to Ariete's firepower, in fact its rounds can easily penetrate most of the frontal section of the Leclerc even at 2,000 m. It is better to disable its gun before trying to destroy the tank, or just shooting at the left turret cheek, killing the gunner and the commander leaving the target harmless.
  • Type 10 / Type 90 - The Type 10 and Type 90 are the only other autoloaded tanks currently in the game that can load faster than you, with reload of 4.0 seconds compared to your 5.0 seconds. Getting your first shot off and disabling this tank is top priority as they will out load you.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Has access to a CITV with 2nd generation thermals
  • Slightly improved armour around the area of the gunner's sight
  • Autoloader allows for consistent reloads
  • Large first-stage ammo stowage
  • Blow-out panel in turret bustle
  • The OFL 120 F1 APFSDS round is effective

Cons:

  • Slower than average turret traverse rate
  • Only three crew members
  • Numerous large vulnerabilities

History

Leclerc S2 main battle tanks were produced in France from 1997 to 2003. The vehicles in the second series were distinguished by improved armour in the hull and turret, new air conditioning and anti-nuclear protection systems, a modified transmission, and updated electronic and optical systems. The Leclerc SXXI is the third production series of the modern main battle tank that was produced from 2003 to 2006. The main features of the series were improved turret protection at frontal angles, as well as a new panoramic HL 120 sight for the commander with a thermal imaging channel and a laser rangefinder. All tanks in the SXXI series were later upgraded by the ICONE tactical control system under the 2007 program.

-From Devblog

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links


Nexter Systems*
MBTs  Leclerc · Leclerc S2 · Leclerc SXXI
  *GIAT Industries became Nexter Systems in 2006

France medium tanks
M4 Derivatives  M4A1 (FL10) · M4A4 (SA50)
AMX-50  AMX M4 · AMX-50 (TOA100) · AMX-50 (TO90/930)
AMX-30  AMX-30 · AMX-30 (1972) · AMX-30B2 · AMX-30B2 BRENUS · AMX-30 ACRA · AMX-30 Super
AMX-32/40  AMX-32 · AMX-32 (105) · AMX-40
Leclerc  Leclerc · Leclerc S2 · Leclerc SXXI · Leclerc AZUR
Other  D2 · S.35 · Lorraine 40t
Germany  Panther "Dauphiné"
USA  ▄M4A1 · ▄M4A3 (105) · ▄M4A4 · ▄M26

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